The Seattle Storm is proud to recognize the efforts of local non-profit organizations in the Puget Sound community. Each game night this summer, the Storm will shine the spotlight on a featured non-profit, its positive impact within our community and ways in which Storm fans can become involved.

TAF Mission Statement
TAF prepares underserved children of color for higher education and professional success by providing a rigorous and relevant K-12 curriculum.

About TAF
Technology Access Foundation (TAF) is passionate about reversing the trend of low academic achievement among the kids who deserve an education the most. High dropout rates and low test scores have long been accepted as the norm in underserved communities. In Washington State, nearly 27% of all Washington State public high school students fail to graduate in four years. For students of color and low-income students, the figures are even worse!

For more than a decade, TAF has offered afterschool and in-school programs in King County that improve educational and professional outcomes for students of color. By providing exceptional public school options that emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), more of our students:

• Graduate high school on time
• Attend college to pursue degrees in critical STEM fields
• Enter the workforce ready to be leaders an innovators in a technology-driven world

Because of TAF programs hundreds of teens have earned paid technical internships and over 80 TAF alumni have graduated from college. Today, TAF serves more than 400 students each year through two programs:

• TechStart, a free afterschool academic enrichment program for students in 1st-8th grade
• TAF Academy, a 6th-12th grade public school model

With one TAF Academy currently open in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools, TAF has plans to open four more TAF Academies in Washington by 2016. More information about TAF programs is available at www.techaccess.org.

TAF is well positioned at the forefront of the evolution of STEM-focused public education and the creation of more opportunities for students of color. Through their Degrees Matter campaign, TAF is committed to changing the trajectory of 20,000 students of color in Washington State public schools every year by 2020.

Learn more about TAF – or stop by our table on the KeyArena's main concourse on Saturday, August 21!

If you are interested in learning more about how a local organization you are involved with can be part of the Storm Community Spotlight program, call 206-217-WNBA (9622) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.